Jun 27, 2017 • Community

Trucking Industry Statistics

Trucking Industry Statistics

Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.

Trucking Industry Statistics

The trucking industry statistics are truly remarkable. It’s an industry topping $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and responsible for six percent of all jobs in America.

If you bought it, they brought it. Truck drivers keep America rolling by driving countless and lonely hours delivering the cargo we desire. Without trucks to ship things, those shelves would be mighty bare and those same-day delivering services from your online shopping wouldn’t be possible without truckers.

Don’t believe us? Check out the trucking industry statistics.

The Trucking Industry Powers America

Merge onto any highway and you’ll see countless semi trucks heading in either direction of the road. Seems like they’re endless amounts of them right? You would be correct, in fact 80 percent of all cargo in the USA!

The Trucking Industry Can Be Dangerous

There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the trucking industry who put their life at risk delivering an array of commodities and goods. Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with a load weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making truck driver the most dangerous job in the USA. So remember to give truck drivers space and don’t tailgate.

What Do Truck Drivers Haul?

Truck drivers haul a variety of goods with machinery, electronic and motorized vehicles making up 27 percent of goods shipped by truck drivers in America. The most common thing trucks haul is machinery, followed by electronics and motorized vehicles. Additionally, mixed freight includes commodities such as food and restaurant supplies.

Let’s face it, without the trucking industry we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we have. Shelves would be empty and people would undoubtedly be in a state of panic if that happens. The trucking industry statistics don’t lie!

Tagstruck drivers Trucking Industry

Trucker Spotlight - Maurice Bey <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maurice</strong>, who’s been an in-state driver for four years. He also has a Youtube channel called, “The Helpful Trucker”, where he gives some helpful tips as he shares his experiences on the road. Let’s get to know more about Maurice and his life as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> Well, I didn't choose this life, this life chose me. I love driving and I love being behind the wheel. A few years ago, my pop's (a lifelong trucker) health started declining. He came to me and said, "Hey I need you to get your CDL because I need to put someone else in my truck." So I went to CDL school, got my Class A and I've been driving for him ever since. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Well, I've only been in the industry for 4 years now, but I'm the son of a lifelong trucker and many of my close relatives are truckers, which means I've been exposed to the industry literally all my life. And I remember relatives and family that used to drive WITHOUT a chauffeur's license. I remember when my dad would go back several days and alter, I mean "update" his paper log books retroactively. And I remember when my uncle's and my dad's friends used to talk about running up and down the road all night, non stop, unregulated. One could argue that all that regulation overall HAS made the roads safer. But one could also argue that all that regulation has made things less profitable, particularly for little guys. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "The Helpful Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> On YouTube, I call myself "The Helpful Trucker" because in life I'm a helpful guy. So many people nowadays only want to be helpful if it benefits them. My philosophy, which is offering people real value without necessarily expecting anything in return, is attractive and has a natural way of pulling the right people, resources and opportunities towards you. I call my truck Nat... short for International (which is what I drive). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I'm an in-state driver and I go home every night. So I don't experience loneliness, plus I love my alone time. I need it to maintain my sanity. LOL. <h2></h2> I spend a majority of my time behind the wheel listening to podcasts about business, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing and mindset. My truck is a rolling university for me. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Keeping my miles up as an in-state driver. My work has definitely slowed significantly. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> My usual truck routes generally speaking are either Interstate 64 or Interstate 95 in the Richmond,Virginia area. My favorite scenic truck route is 64 west out of Richmond. I love the mountainous scenery. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> I don't use truck stops very much, but when I do, I look for familiarity. I'm a very routine kind of guy. I don't have a favorite truck stop meal. I'm not a big fan of road food... that stuff will kill you! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> I encounter a lot of faulty equipment, especially trailers, which belong to the carrier I pull for, not me. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> People, especially truckers, not being courteous to other truckers and only looking out for themselves. But I get it though. This economy can make you chase money to the point that you're only thinking about yourself and your own situation and not considering others. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> The main thing <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> has helped me with so far is supplying me with a trucker friendly GPS. My standard GPS has put me on routes that I'm not supposed to be on more than once! And that's a scary feeling. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Safety tip: Triple check everything. <h2></h2> Getting a job tip: Know your contract front and back; ask as many questions as you feel you need to. Don't allow yourself to get locked in to anything that is not in your best interest long term. <h2></h2> Career tip: Get your money right as quickly as possible. Give yourself the option to get from behind the wheel as soon as possible. Driving a rig, just like most careers is A LOT more fun when you're doing it because you want to instead of because you have to. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mauricebey7">Youtube Channel, The Helpful Trucker.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGIeHtM9dng" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Aug 12, 2020 • Carriers

Best Truck Stops [p]With over 6,000 truck stops in the Trucker Path app determining the best truck stops in America is no small task. But hey, who doesn't love a challenge and a competition to see which is the best truck stop for 2017.[/p] [h2]Best Truck Stops[/h2] [p]The best truck stops are ranked thanks to you guys! There are over 600,000 truck drivers who update locations on Trucker Path with available parking at truck stops, travel centers and rest areas throughout America. Drivers also comment on their experiences at truck stops by leaving ratings and reviews for fellow users to view.[/p] [p] Whether you need diesel stations to fuel up, looking for a delicious homemade meal like grandma used to make or just looking for a place with truck parking to rest, these are the best truck stops perfect for truck drivers.[/p] [h2]Creek Travel Plaza[/h2] [android-img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/Creek-Travel-Plaza-1.png"] [p]The Creek Travel Plaza is the best truck stop for independently owned truck stops and is a must stop for truck drivers in the Southeast.[/p] [h2]What Makes It a Best Truck Stop?[/h2] [p]To determine what is the best truck stop, we analyzed a variety of criteria in order to award the best locations found [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]in our app[/a]. Truck stops and travel centers with available truck parking, fantastic customer service and useful amenities like showers, repair services, laundry facilities and WiFi found themselves a cut above the competition.[/p] [p]It's no secret, truck drivers love to eat. That's why restaurant options and food quality were also included in our decision-making when ranking the best truck stops. The next time you are traveling through America, be sure to check out one of these nearby truck stops.[/p] [h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Truck Stops: 0-5.0 Ratings scale[/h2] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Screen-Shot-2017-04-25-at-12.56.11-PM-1.png" alt=""] [button-white href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Top-truck-stops-Top-100-2017-PR.pdf"]Full List[/button-white] [h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Independent Truck Stops[/h2] [ul] [li]Creek Travel Plaza – Atmore, AL[/li] [li]Karde’s 151 – Monticello, IA[/li] [li]Gore’s Travel Plaza – Seiling, OK[/li] [li]Association of Christian Truckers – Brownstown, IL[/li] [li]BJs Travel Center – New Madrid, MO[/li] [li]Hixton Travel Plaza – Hixton, WI[/li] [li]Kwik Trip Travel Center – Austin MN[/li] [li]Kwik Trip #202 – Plover, WI[/li] [li]Refugio Travel Center – Refugio, TX[/li] [li]Texas 87/ Tiger Truck Stop – Esperanza, TX[/li] [/ul] [h2]Look for the Decal in the Truck Stop Window[/h2] [p]Recognition of success goes beyond saying congrats. The best truck stops for this year will each receive a window decal honoring the location as [i]the Best Places for 2017[/i]. This recognition lets truck drivers know that they have come to the right truck stop.[/p] [images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/best-places-decal-BLOG-1.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="250px" align="left" ] [h2]Which State Has the Best Truck Stops?[/h2] [p]They say in Texas, football is king. While that might be true, there's also room on the throne for the best truck stops. [b]Texas[/b] had three truck stops ranked in the top 15 along with nine in the top 100 overall, more than any other state. Meanwhile, [b]Wisconsin[/b] finished second with five ranked in the top 100 and [b]Alabama[/b] finishing third with four truck stops.[/p] [h2]Gore's Travel Plaza – a Historic Truck Stop Location[/h2] [p]Gore's Travel Plaza began in 1939 when Floyd Gore decided to open a service station next to his home in Seiling, Oklahoma. Currently, third-generation brothers Tony, Gary and Marty along with fourth-generation son and nephew Derrick continue the family business of serving the trucking community for over 78 years.[/p] [quote]“The best part of serving the truck driving community is finding new ways to make their days on the road a little easier. We are here to serve them and our goal is to always be above their expectations,” said Gore's General Manager Derrick Gore. “Our staff know that customers come first, before anything else. We want people to leave our facility feeling appreciated and respected. Serving the needs of our customers and going above and beyond their expectations is something that we are proud of and hope they recognize during their visit.”[/quote] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=besttruckstops2017"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green] [video id ="NSSOwFRJaQw"] If you're a truck driver but want to earn more and be your own boss, learn how you can<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/"> become an owner operator today.</a>

May 02, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Endorsement [p] Here are the steps to get your HAZMAT endorsement and potentially earn more.[/p] [h2] HAZMAT Endorsement [/h2] [p]Hazmat endorsement is required by truck driver's who have a Commercial Driver's License and wish to deliver HAZMAT loads containing hazardous materials. Since the materials you're hauling can have severe health consequences, the Department of Transportation has enlisted specific requirements before a truck driver can haul such loads. There is a risk-reward with hauling hazardous materials as it typically pays more than a typical freight.[/p] [h2]1. How to Get HAZMAT Endorsement on CDL[/h2] [p]A truck driver with a Class A, B or C CDL can apply for DOT HAZMAT endorsement by completing these five procedures.[/p] [ol] [li]Fill out HAZMAT endorsement application through the DMV or TSA[/li] [li]Complete a medical screening[/li] [li]Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)[/li] [li]Pay fees[/li] [li]Submit a [a href="https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/servicecode/111168"]TSA Background Security Screening[/a] either online or in-person[/li] [/ol] [p]The following states [b]require[/b] an in-person DMV application for TSA Security Assessment.[/p] [ul] [li]Florida[/li] [li]Kentucky[/li] [li]Maryland[/li] [li]Mississippi[/li] [li]New York[/li] [li]Pennsylvania[/li] [li]Texas[/li] [li]Virginia[/li] [li]Wisconsin[/li] [/ul] [h2]2. Carriers HAZMAT Responsibilities[/h2] [p]Truck drivers who have a HAZMAT endorsement typically earn a higher salary than standard drivers with a CDL. When hauling hazardous materials truck drivers are subject to specific responsibilities that go beyond standard requirements set by the DOT.[/p] [ul] [li]Shipping Paper[/li] [li]Placard and Mark Vehicle[/li] [li]Loading and Unloading[/li] [li]Compatibility[/li] [li]Blocking and Bracing[/li] [li]Incident Report[/li] [li]Security Plan[/li] [li]Employee Training[/li] [ul] [img src="/uploads/2017/02/HAZMAT.jpg"] [h2]3. HAZMAT Classifications[/h2] [ul] [li]Class 1 – Explosives[/li] [li]Class 2 – Gases[/li] [li]Class 3 – Flammable Liquid[/li] [li]Class 4 – Flammable Solids[/li] [li]Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides[/li] [li]Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances[/li] [li]Class 7 – Radioactive Material[/li] [li]Class 8 – Corrosives[/li] [li]Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants[/li] [/ul] [h2]4. Have a Copy of the HAZMAT Table in Your Truck[/h2] [p]The HAZMAT Table displays the classifications of hazardous materials and breaks them down by division, as well as by specific material. Having the HAZMAT Table with you at all times will allow you to correctly fill out any shipping papers or packages and comply with Hazardous Material Requirements (HMR) and avoid a violation. The [a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/common-hazmat-violations/"]most common DOT HAZMAT violation[/a] is not having a copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number.[/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/06/Hazmat-table.png"]

Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers